if you detect something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if you detect something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of noticing or identifying something, often in contexts related to observation or analysis. Example: "If you detect something unusual in the data, please report it immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Oh, you might later on when it is all over and you are not with the person, look back and remind yourself and relive mentally some of the experience listening if you can to the sound of the voice of the person when they spoke, and note if you detect something strangely different, or something when you look back upon it gives you an uneasiness when they said they loved you.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The survival rate is high if you detect it early.

Huffington Post

The startup will send you an email or a text message if they detect something out of the ordinary.

TechCrunch

"If we detect something on the other side of Madagascar, collaboration becomes important – and maybe the French are better suited to help … But we have to start talking to one another".

The Guardian

What can we do if astronomers detect something with our name on it?

BBC

"But if we detect something that we don't have an alternative explanation for, I think that would be an incredibly exciting discovery". Who else will be doing this?

BBC

If we could detect something a few years out, would we not want to have some thought given to the problem?

The New York Times - Science

But if they're not, we can quickly detect something is wrong: we notice that our balance is off and call the bank, or the bank notices someone in China bought $10,000 worth of clothes and calls us to make sure it's legitimate.

The New York Times - Magazine

'I believe that if you find something then you have to inform the patient about it.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

If you find something, alert the authorities.

WikiHow

Each square represents a different interaction with a protein, water content or bacteria, and changes color if it detects something is outside of normal parameters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if you detect something" in formal writing, consider specifying what 'something' refers to for clarity. For example, "If you detect something unusual in the data, please report it."

Common error

Avoid using "if you detect something" without providing context about what 'something' might be. This vagueness can confuse the reader. Be specific: "If you detect a security breach, notify the IT department immediately."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if you detect something" functions as a conditional clause, setting up a situation where a subsequent action is dependent on the detection of something. Ludwig confirms its validity in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if you detect something" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a conditional statement, prompting action based on observation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across different contexts. While commonly found in News & Media and Science, it is also suitable for general use. To enhance clarity, especially in formal writing, specify what 'something' refers to. For alternative expressions, consider using phrases like "if you identify something" or "if you notice something". Remember that while the phrase is valid, being specific about what 'something' is will ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if you identify something

Replaces "detect" with "identify", emphasizing recognition of a specific element.

if you notice something

Substitutes "detect" with "notice", indicating a casual observation.

if you spot something

Uses "spot" instead of "detect", suggesting a quick and easy discovery.

should you find something

Replaces "if you detect" with "should you find", creating a more formal tone.

in the event you discover something

Uses "in the event you discover" for a more formal and conditional phrasing.

if anything is observed

Shifts the focus to the observation rather than the observer, using passive voice.

if something comes to your attention

Replaces "detect" with "comes to your attention", indicating a more indirect way of noticing.

upon detecting something

Uses a gerund phrase to replace the "if" clause, creating a more concise expression.

once something is detected

Changes the structure to emphasize the action being completed before a subsequent action.

if an anomaly is found

Specifies "something" as an "anomaly", narrowing the context to irregularities.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if you detect something" for better clarity?

To enhance clarity, replace "if you detect something" with more specific phrases like "if you notice an error", "if you find a problem", or "if you identify a risk", depending on the context.

What's a more formal alternative to "if you detect something"?

For formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "should you observe anything", "in the event that you discover something", or "upon detection of any irregularities".

Is "if you detect something" suitable for technical writing?

Yes, "if you detect something" can be suitable, but ensure to define what 'something' refers to within the specific technical context. For example, "If you detect a memory leak, analyze the heap dump" is more precise.

What are some common contexts where "if you detect something" is typically used?

This phrase is commonly used in instructions, guidelines, and warnings across various fields, including software development (detecting bugs), security (detecting threats), and healthcare (detecting symptoms).